Board Member

The Organisation:

Age Action was established in 1992 and is the leading advocacy organisation for ageing and older people in Ireland. Age Action is values-led and aims to achieve a more equal Ireland for all of us as we age. 

With a head office in Dublin and offices in Cork and Galway, Age Action’s services are available in the 26 counties of Ireland. 

In late 2023, after an extensive consultation and organisation review, we launched our 2024-2026 strategy. This strategy sets out a ten-year ambition for Ireland with three-year aims and objectives.  A key action for the board in 2026 and 2027 will be to renew this strategy.

Age Action has ambitious plans and is now seeking board members to participate in leading the organisation and supporting the Chairperson and incoming CEO.  

As a values-led organisation Age Action promotes a positive culture and workplace for staff and volunteers. We appreciate the contribution that our people make and we try to demonstrate that through our actions. 

Website:           Home Page - Age Action | For all older people

Board:                Meet our team - Age Action | For all older people

The Role:

Board members of Age Action play a key role in the governance and oversight of the organisation. The board of Age Action places significant importance on good governance and risk management. Board members, supported by board sub-committees, ensure that general trustee duties of the board are fulfilled.  

This is a unique opportunity to contribute to a respected national organisation at a pivotal point in its development. As Age Action prepares to renew its strategy and welcomes new leadership, board members will play a meaningful role in shaping the future direction of advocacy and services for older people in Ireland. A role on the board of Age Action offers you:

• The opportunity to contribute to meaningful social impact and influence positive change for older people across Ireland.
• Experience of governance at board level in a nationally recognised organisation.
• The chance to shape strategy during a period of renewal and organisational development.
• Collaboration with a committed and values-driven board, chairperson and management team.
• Ongoing learning and development in governance, strategy and the community and voluntary sector.
• The opportunity to broaden your professional network and bring your expertise to a purpose-driven environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Participate fully as a board member ensuring that the duties of the board, as set out by the code of the Charities Regulator, are diligently fulfilled. 

• Ensure your own, and wider board practice upholds Age Action Ireland policies and values statement. 

• Promote through your behaviour, effective relationships and open communication among Board members and with the CEO. 

• Work to create an environment that allows constructive debates on challenges among board members and between the board and CEO. 

• Participate fully in the development and determination of the organisation's strategies and policies and ensure that board decisions taken are in the organisations best interests and fairly reflect board consensus. 

• Remain fully informed, seek and engage with the necessary information to ensure that the important issues facing the organisation are being discussed and considered by the board. 

• Participate on at least one board committee (Finance and Audit Committee, Governance & Risk Committee, Nominations and AGM Committee) and other board working groups that may be established from time to time. 

• Participate in an annual board review of its effectiveness.
   
• Understand and adhere to the distinct role of CEO & Directors. The day-to-day operations of Age Action and management of all staff and resources is delegated to the CEO. The board sets the strategy and budget, monitors implementation and evaluates the performance of the CEO.
   
• Understand and adhere to key board policies e.g. Conflicts of Interest Policy, Powers Reserved for the Board, etc.  
   
• Engage in ongoing training and development to ensure up-to-date knowledge of the board’s governance role
   
• Support the chairperson to ensure all board meetings and Committees operate effectively and efficiently i.e., meeting regularly; delivery of tasks; good timekeeping and records etc. 

Skills and Experience Required:

We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates. In addition, the board would particularly welcome individuals who bring experience in one or more of the following areas: audit, financial reporting, risk management, corporate governance, or human rights advocacy.

The successful candidate will: 

• Have experience at board level as a non-executive trustee/board member. 

• Be a strategic thinker with ability to see the big picture and guide long-term planning. 

• Hold the highest ethical standards with a commitment to transparency and accountability. 

• Be financially literate with a good understanding of financial statements, budgets, and resource allocation. 

• Be an effective communicator, committed to collaboration and resolving differences in a professional manner. 

• Be knowledgeable of best practice in relation to good governance. 

Age Action operates in the community and voluntary sector, while not essential, some knowledge of this sector would be an advantage.

Charities Regulator’s General Duties of a Charity Trustee:

• Comply with the charity’s governing document.
• Ensure the charity is complying with its charitable purpose for the public benefit.
• Act in the best interest of the charity.
• Act with reasonable care and skill.
• Manage the assets of the charity.

Board Meetings:

There are approximately 9 board meetings a year.  Meetings are held online or in Dublin city centre, and are held between 12 and 1.30 pm.  Other duties arise during the year such as attendance at committee meetings, strategy days etc. 

There are three board committees:

The Finance & Audit Committee.

The Governance & Risk Committee.

The Nominations and AGM Committee.

Process:

If you believe in equality for all, share Age Action’s values, and have the time to help lead an organisation of committed staff and volunteers, you will enjoy this role. 

Our work is underpinned by Human Rights and our decisions by our values. The board works to ensure our limited resources are used appropriately, and with good effect in delivering our mission. 

We are committed to diversity, equity and inclusion and welcome candidates from diverse backgrounds.

If you believe you have the requisite skills and experience, Age Action would like to hear from you. There will be an interview process, and successful candidates will be recommended to the board.

To apply, please submit your CV and a brief cover letter